If your business isn’t online, it’s outdated and missing out. To learn more about how digital transformation can mean big profit for IT and other business sectors, check out this blog.

2. Analytical Reasoning

What good is all that connectedness if businesses aren’t using it to glean insights on their customers, their markets, their partners, and their futures?

In 2018, analytics won’t just continue their solid run. They’ll take off in a full-force sprint.

Whether you’re a small e-commerce business owner, city manager, or big box retailer, you can gain incredible value by transforming data into measurable observations.

Are sales up in a certain region? Do women prefer certain products over men? Was one marketing campaign more effective than the other?

Use your IoT touchpoints to capture that data and turn it into charts, tables, and graphs that can help drive your business forward.

3. 5G Connectivity

“Can you hear me now?” has never sounded more obsolete.

Next year, 5G mobile connectivity is expected to move from a nice-to-have luxury into the norm. Users can expect quicker, more reliable device coverage, though it might take a while.

Samsung and Sony are taking steps to transition from LTE to 5G via Gigabit LTE technology that’s bridging the gap. Yet, just as it took a while to move from dial-up internet to WiFi, the change won’t happen quickly. Expect a few patchy seasons as providers tweak and perfect the technology.

4. Computing on the Edge

When Big Data travels across the IoT and into the cloud, it does so via a series of long, complex routes. Edge computing seeks to shorten this distance, allowing business owners to capture data right at the source of creation.

While cloud computing and cloud management will continue to reign into 2018, some businesses are already making the switch to the edge.

They’re doing so by leveraging microdata centers that capture local data, keep some on-site, then send the rest to either a central data center or a cloud storage station.

The advantage of going local? The data footprint is shorter than 100 square feet. That means companies can capture data in real time and make on-the-spot decisions — a critical function in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries.

5. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is hardly a new trend. Chatbots like Amazon Alexa are household mainstays, used to report sports scores, deliver weather forecasts, cue up playlists, and more.

One of the biggest digital trends for 2018 is taking this technology and expanding it beyond its current playing field. Soon, companies will be leveraging AI to connect with their customers in innovative, exciting, and unexpected ways.

This means that content marketing will become especially tech-savvy. Email blasts, collateral development, and even social networking will all include elements of AI to craft a more immersive user experience. Don’t throw out your current campaign just yet, but keep an eye on technology like SAP Leonardo to see what’s possible.

6. Blockchain

Blockchain began as a tech tool leveraged by Bitcoin, the digital currency that’s revolutionizing the market. While the science behind the system can be complicated, its use is relatively straightforward.

In short, blockchain is a database — a huge database that spans millions of computers. What sets it apart is that there’s no central control hub, and all information is freely shared. That means no hacker interference and no glitches.

When a change occurs, it happens simultaneously across the entire collection. Without a single point of failure, it’s essentially a new and more robust internet, though its uses have thus far been mostly limited to the cryptocurrency sector.

Business leaders are catching on, though. In 2017, the term “blockchain” was Gartner’s second most frequently used search term, an increase of more than 400% from last year alone. Do a little research now and be prepared for when it really arrives.

7. Virtual Reality

Imagine going into a hardware store, drawing up a plan for your bathroom remodel, and actually seeing it come to life before your eyes.

In 19 Lowes stores across the country, you can do just that, thanks to virtual reality headsets. Though VR is huge in the retail sphere, it’s also gaining ground in other industries and is one of our top digital trends.

Studies reveal that when users experience VR, they have the same physical reactions as if they were in that same, real-life scenario. This insight alone is helping healthcare providers make huge strides in treating patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and extreme phobias.

It’s also helping business owners visualize their brick-and-mortar store layouts before they begin to build them, ensuring traffic patterns and display locations are appropriately designed. Look for a slow but steady growth into 2018.

8. Capturing Micro-Moments

Customers can convert in an instant. To be the one they choose, your business has to make the most of every interaction, from the e-commerce checkout process to a troubleshooting support inquiry.

In 2018, there will be an even greater emphasis on micro-moments, those seemingly small opportunities to make a normal client interaction even greater.

It all centers on understanding your audience and finding ways to cater to it. Platforms like Think with Google can help businesses understand customer trends and retention data to stay in tune and at pace with the client conversation.

9. Failure as a Service

In 2017, the “aaS” acronym took over everything from software to social media. Yet, until recently, Failure as a Service (FaaS) wasn’t one of the more common terms.

Look for that to change.

One of our most unexpected digital trends is that soon, companies will start using technology to develop more rigorous testing procedures that essentially seek to make a product or service fail.

The result? Leaders can more quickly identify weaknesses, fill holes, and address any malfunctions. This is preferred over waiting for customers to realize a glitch for the first time, costing brands tons in negative publicity and lost funds.

10. Geofencing

Mobile targeting and messaging might not be new, but geofencing is about to transform the way businesses capitalize on real-time client interactions.

By creating virtual “fences” around their storefronts, owners can communicate with passersby at the moment they enter their sphere of influence. As they walk away from, or into, the store, this data is captured for future insight. Owners can also push notifications to shoppers that alert them to in-store deals and promotions.

As long as customers have opted-in to receive these messages, the functionality has incredible upsell potential.

Embrace These Digital Trends and Lead the Pack

Across every industry, staying ahead means anticipating the path of innovation. Riding the coattails of a successful movement rarely works. Those that catch on as early as possible have the potential to become pioneers.

As you prepare to move your business into 2018, take a look at these 10 trends. You don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) embrace them all at once. Research the ones that make sense and don’t be afraid to invest, move forward and claim first place.

For more helpful tips on how to grow your business and navigate personal challenges, feel free to check out our blog. We’ve researched what works so you can get started today!